This week, we learned that Brain Plasticity Inc. (BPI), a new “technology incubator”, has received $3.65 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on software-based programs. They have been awarded $3 million to work on creating and testing a cognitive program for people with schizophrenia, as well as $650,000 for people suffering from visual attention deficits as a result of stroke.

So why are we so excited that another company is getting funded to study this? Well… aside from the fact that the research offers the promise of innovative, non-invasive, potentially effective therapies for people greatly in need- we are proud to report that BPI is basing both programs on technology originally developed here at Posit Science. We have licensed the technology so that the BPI researchers can continue to innovate and test further applications of brain plasticity-based exercises in additional conditions. This is a fantastic outcome, as it helps us in our global mission to bring science to the people and provide real-world, proven, clinically tested cognitive solutions for people who need them. BPI is carrying our work further and faster and seeking hope and help for millions of people. So we have good reason to be proud and happy about their success.

Let’s take schizophrenia, for a start: According to the NIH, approximately 2.4 million American adults, or about 1.1 percent of the adult population older have schizophrenia. In 2002, it was estimated that the overall cost in the U.S. for treating schizophrenia was $62.7 billion. For context, 60 billion dollars could cover the Red Cross’s operating expense for 17 years. (Here’s a neat slide show on other things that $60 billion could do.) And yet, there is really no perfect treatment solution for people with schizophrenia, despite how much money is spent. A low-cost, non-invasive, software or web-based solution that actually worked would be a boon to this population and their loved ones. If you have ever known a person affected by schizophrenia, you will know what I’m talking about.

So there are many reasons that we are excitedly anticipating the outcome of this research project- and we hope and expect to have more good news of this type in the future.

You can read the full press release here for more details on the research funding and Brain Plasticity, Inc.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Tinnitus, Music, and Brain Plasticity
2. Brain Plasticity Cuts Both Ways: How Does Technology Affect The Brains of Children?
3. Research and the Media – Reading Between the Lines
4. Our Brain Awareness Session on Brain Plasticity & Brain Fitness with Dr. Michael Merzenich